Predator: Badlands Unveils Surprising Alien Universe Connections

Predator: Badlands, the newly released standalone chapter in the Predator franchise, is turning out to be a treasure trove of unexpected connections to the larger Alien universe. According to director Dan Trachtenberg, some of these links were intentional, while others were complete accidents.

The clearest tie to the Alien-verse is the presence of synths, played by Elle Fanning, which feature the telltale signs of Weyland-Yutani technology. Trachtenberg also confirmed a quick cameo from Prey heroine Naru, and the hulking Back Biter creature from the animated film Predator: Killer of Killers makes an appearance.

But the real surprise came when actor and stunt performer Cameron Brown, who previously donned the xenomorph suit for the FX series Alien: Earth FX, arrived on set, unknowingly bridging the two iconic sci-fi franchises. Trachtenberg even borrowed the synth eye-roll effect directly from Alien: Romulus, further cementing the connections.

Beyond the visual Easter eggs, Badlands also explores deeper thematic parallels with the Alien series, such as the outsider narratives and the fascination with artificial intelligence and identity. By pairing the young, outcast Predator Dek with the android Thia, the film crafts a richer emotional core that fits well with the Predator mythos.